KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (KZNSB) to Test an Electronic Shark Repellent Cable

18th Sep 2014 TimesLive SA tells us that the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (KZNSB) will begin testing an electronic shark repellent cable in November as part of measures to repel great white sharks and reduce shark attacks.

The testing will be carried out in Glencairn beach in Capetown; the cable will emit a low frequency, pulsed electronic signal, which is known to repel great white sharks

CEO of the board Mthokozisi Radebe is quoted as saying “If this system works, it will keep sharks and bathers at a safe distance from each other without harming either humans or sharks. “If successful, it will provide the basis to develop a barrier system that can protect bathers without killing or harming sharks or any other marine animals.

The cable will be activated during daylight hours on certain days and testing will run till March 2015 and activity and results will be monitored by use of a video camera and shark spotters.

A warning though, in Radebe’s words, “It is important to note that this is an experiment, and at this time [during the testing] the cable offers no protection against shark attacks to bathers or other water users.”